September 18, 2015

The Lamplighter Public House in Gastown

The Lamplighter Public House in Gastown has a distinct place in British Columbia's history. In 1925, as part of the Dominion Hotel, it obtained BC's first liquor license, and was the first joint of its kind to serve alcohol to women.

Named for John Clough, who lit the coal oil lamps along Gastown's brick streets through the 1880s before Vancouver introduced electrified lights.

Today The Lamplighter is part of the Donnelly Group which includes the nearby trendy and low-lit lounge, The Clough Club, and its hipster barbershop called Barber & Co.

The Lamplighterstill boasts much of the original exposed brick, tin stamped ceilings and railings. There are many video screens and a sometimes exuberant sound system, plus pool tables and arcade machines, all along side a fine selection of local beers.

We dropped in after a walk around Stanley Park and tried a wonderful creation called Gin Palace G&T. It's an in-house creation using Dorothy Parker gin, bittered sling grapefruit and hop bitters, rosemary and Fentiman's Tonic ~ of course. There of savory notes, a hint of grapefruit and a wonderful tonic. Refreshing and more potent than it looks.

The food items that went by, carried by friendly servers, looked interesting, but we didn't indulge. We did however enjoy a visit with one of the pub's fine cooks, and Sherry's youngest son, James.

Partly catering to tourists wandering around Gastown, The Lamplighter also has a strong local clientele. They are young, trendy and like live music and Vancouver Canucks game nights. If you're in the neighbourhood, it might be a great mix.Photos by Jeem. Copyright 2015 by Jim Murray.